Excellence Awards

Excellence in Innovation

The Excellence in Innovation Award celebrates the unique ways a music educators’ innovative practice influences Music Education in Canada.

Recipients of this award are dedicated to progressive change in music education and their innovative teaching practices impact their students, peers, or music education research.

2015 – Dr. Bernard Andrews, University of Ottawa
(Presented at CMEA National Conference 2015, Winnipeg, Manitoba by CMEA Past-President Mark Reid and CMEA President Kirsten MacLaine)

2026 – Karri Shea – Prince Edward Island Music Educators’ Association

Excellence in Innovation Awards will be evaluated using the following criteria:

  1. Evidence of capacity to influence progressive change in Canadian music education;
  2. Evidence of unique solutions to solving problems, as part of music education; and
  3. Evidence of positive impact on students, peers, or music education research.

Nominations are accepted as follows:

  • Nominations may come from any CMEA/ACEM MEA or Affiliate.
  • Each nomination should be supported by three letters of support: one from the nominating MEA/Affiliate, and two additional letters of support.
  • It is acceptable for a nominee to stand in multiple award categories in a given year.
  • Recipients will be recognized through the publication of the citation on the CMEA/ACEM website, newsletter or journal in addition to the publication of the citation in the nominating affiliates’ journal, or website where no journal exists.
  • Where possible a CMEA/ACEM representative will present the award, at the next provincial or territorial annual conference. If no CMEA/ACEM representative is available the award may be presented by the president of the nominating MEA.
  • The award is funded by the CMEA/ACEM and coordinated by the CMEA/ACEM Vice-President.

Excellence in Collaboration

Excellence in Collaboration

The Excellence in Collaboration Award celebrates collaborative processes engaging educators and/or organizations both within and outside the formal school community.

2015 – British Columbia Teachers’ Federation/British Columbia Music Educators’ Association
(Presented at CMEA National Conference 2015, Winnipeg, Manitoba by CMEA Past-President Mark Reid and CMEA President Kirsten MacLaine)

Excellence in Collaboration Awards will be evaluated using the following criteria:

  1. Evidence of influence/effectiveness/change at the local, provincial, and national level;
  2. Evidence of sustainable collaboration;
  3. Evidence of outreach beyond the classroom.

Nominations are accepted as follows:

  • Nominations may come from any CMEA/ACEM MEA or Affiliate.
  • Each nomination should be supported by three letters of support: one from the nominating MEA/Affiliate, and two additional letters of support.
  • It is acceptable for a nominee to stand in multiple award categories in a given year.
  • Recipients will be recognized through the publication of the citation on the CMEA/ACEM website, newsletter or journal in addition to the publication of the citation in the nominating affiliates’ journal, or website where no journal exists.
  • Where possible a CMEA/ACEM representative will present the award, at the next provincial or territorial annual conference. If no CMEA/ACEM representative is available the award may be presented by the president of the nominating MEA.
  • The award is funded by the CMEA/ACEM and coordinated by the CMEA/ACEM Vice-President.

Excellence in Leadership

The Excellence in Leadership Award celebrates the work of exemplary leaders within the field of music education. Recipients of this award show leadership in the areas of promotion, implementation and support of music education in Canada.

2015 – Lynn Tucker, University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus
(Presented at CMEA National Conference 2015, Winnipeg, Manitoba by CMEA Past-President Mark Reid and CMEA President Kirsten MacLaine)

2021 – Kristil Hammer, Karin Kwan, Cindy Romphf, & Winona Waldron – British Columbia

2023 – Jaymi Daniels – British Columbia

2024 – Helen Coker – Ontario

2026 – Pamela Burton – Nova Scotia

Excellence in Leadership Awards will be evaluated using the following criteria:

  1. Evidence of promotion and support for music education at the local, provincial, and/or national levels;
  2. Evidence of a personal passion for music and music education;
  3. Evidence of commitment to lifelong learning through music education and professional development;
  4. Evidence of working toward creating a positive musical culture within a school, organization, or community.

Nominations are accepted as follows:

  • Nominations may come from any CMEA/ACEM MEA or Affiliate.
  • Each nomination should be supported by three letters of support: one from the nominating MEA/Affiliate, and two additional letters of support.
  • It is acceptable for a nominee to stand in multiple award categories in a given year.
  • Recipients will be recognized through the publication of the citation on the CMEA/ACEM website, newsletter or journal in addition to the publication of the citation in the nominating affiliates’ journal, or website where no journal exists.
  • Where possible a CMEA/ACEM representative will present the award, at the next provincial or territorial annual conference. If no CMEA/ACEM representative is available the award may be presented by the president of the nominating MEA.
  • The award is funded by the CMEA/ACEM and coordinated by the CMEA/ACEM Vice-President.